From Mumbai, I had no idea which direction to go. Having already cycled the rest of
India, the initial plan was to ride the stretch between Delhi and Mumbai as,
unfortunately, that stretch was missed during my first trip due to a broken arm. No
wonder the guy remembered me as I arrived sporting a broken arm and a black eye,
left the bicycle at the hotel, and disappeared a few weeks only to reappear later. I
could follow the same route south and meet Rachel and Patrick, who were heading
north or across the country to Bangladesh.
My laptop packed up and was handed in to be repaired. Thank goodness they could
fix it but what a mission to re-install the whole caboodle. It took the best part of the
night to reload the necessary programs.
Mumbai – Alibag - 20 km
Eventually, a short pedal led to the harbour where ferries operated across Thane
Creek to Mandva. Departing Mumbai for the south coast, or getting into Mumbai
from the south, is made effortless by this immensely convenient 16-kilometre (60
minutes) ferry ride. The ride saved one from biking through Mumbai’s hectic city
traffic. The crossing was busy as loads of ferries were coming and going, some a tad
overloaded and leaning precariously.
Shortly after stepping off the jetty at Mandva, I met Ashish Agashe, a cyclist from
Mumbai. He was a journalist and a keen cyclist who had cycle-toured India
extensively. Ashish introduced me to his brother Anil, his brother’s wife Janhavi, and
their young son Abhinav, who lived in Alibag. Ashish was visiting for the weekend
and I was invited to stay the night. Not merely was it a pleasure but also fascinating
to stay in a family home.